Robert Fischer writes about sustainable development, focusing on technology, economic growth, and policies that build resilient and equitable communities worldwide. Most recently, Robert served as a Public Diplomacy Associate for the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius, where among other things he reported on human rights, digital authoritarianism, and smart cities in East Africa. Prior, Robert spent nearly a decade working as a policy, technology, and communications advisor at Mandli Communications Inc. Mandli works with national, international, and regional authorities to advance smart city standards, policies, and best practices. Robert holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and a master’s in software engineering from Cal State Fullerton.
RAISE Proposals Are in; What Will it Mean for Climate Change?
The deadline for the first discretionary program to accept applications since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law was April 14, marking the day as one of the most consequential in America’s response to climate change.
Planning For Ukrainian Refugees
Millions of Ukrainian refugees are flowing into European cities. This begs the question: how can cities like Przemysl, Poland, and many others, successfully integrate displaced Ukrainians as active members of local politics, economies, and society?
Brief: U.S. DOT Rural EV Toolkit Is Good but No Panacea
The U.S. needs more charging infrastructure to support the electrification of the transportation sector. This toolkit is a good step in the right direction. But electric vehicles and charging infrastructure are no panacea to our transportation woes.
It's Time to Get Serious About the Metaverse
The metaverse is expected to revolutionize the remote and hybrid workplace. But for cities whose municipal services rely on property and sales taxes, and even urban transit revenue, remote work could spell potentially long-term trouble.
The Bill is Signed; What’s Next?
The work begins, particularly for the folks at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Whether you are a transportation official, a consultant, or a weekend transportation policy wonk, here are a few things to consider.